Tooth-Colored Fillings in Monroe, LA

Natural Looking, Tooth-Colored Fillings

Having a cavity or decay is not the best news to hear at the dental office. However, most people will experience at least one cavity in their lifetime. Thanks to advancements in dental materials, fillings have changed for the better. The most popular choice for a filling today uses composite material, which is tooth-colored and offers a natural appearance. Eddleman Dental is pleased to offer natural-looking, tooth-colored fillings for patients.

What Makes a Composite Filling?

Composite fillings are made from a combination of silica and powdered glass mixed into a resin base. These materials form a durable and long-lasting filling material that mimics the aesthetic properties of our natural teeth. Composite fillings will be color-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. Once the filling is placed, the material is then cured using a special light creating a strong bond with the enamel of your tooth.

Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings

One of the greatest benefits of tooth-colored fillings is that they are 100% free of metal. Many patients are opting to have their older, metal fillings replaced with tooth-colored fillings for health purposes. Additional benefits of composite fillings include:

  • Natural Appearance – Composite resin fillings closely match the natural color of teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding tooth structure. They also have the ability to mimic the natural tooth color and translucency ensures a natural-looking smile, enhancing a patient’s self-esteem and confidence.

  • Preserve Your Natural Teeth – Unlike traditional amalgam (silver) fillings, tooth-colored fillings require less removal of healthy tooth structure, preserving more of the natural tooth.

  • Improved Bonding – Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, creating a strong seal that helps prevent further decay and increases the structural integrity of the tooth.

  • Versatility – These fillings can be used to repair both front and back teeth, providing a versatile solution for restoring decayed, broken or chipped teeth.

  • Longevity – When properly cared for, composite fillings can have a long lifespan, offering durable and reliable restorations.

  • Easy to Fix – If necessary, tooth-colored fillings can be easily repaired or modified without the need for complete replacement.

  • Reduced Sensitivity – Tooth-colored fillings are not affected by temperature changes, reducing post-treatment tooth sensitivity often associated with metal fillings.

Eddleman Dental team member working on dental patient

What to Expect

It is normal to feel somewhat anxious when finding out you need a filling. At Eddleman Dental, our team members will walk you through each step to ensure that you understand the process and you have a chance to ask any questions. Here are the steps involved in getting a filling so that you can have an idea of what to expect:

Dr. Eddleman will examine your teeth, identify the cavities or areas of concern and discuss treatment options with you. We may take X-rays to assess the extent of the decay.

Before the procedure begins, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that you won’t feel any pain during the filling placement.

Dr. Eddleman will remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth, leaving behind the healthy tooth structure. The preparation for tooth-colored fillings is usually more conservative than for amalgam fillings.

Tooth-colored fillings are applied in layers. Dr. Eddleman will first apply an adhesive material to the prepared tooth. Then, he will layer and sculpt the composite resin or porcelain material in a way that matches the natural shape and color of your tooth.

A special curing light is used to harden each layer of the filling material. This process typically takes a few seconds per layer. Once fully cured, the filling becomes strong and stable.

Dr. Eddleman will trim and shape the filling to ensure it fits perfectly with your bite and looks natural. They will also polish the filling to give it a smooth and glossy finish.

You’ll be asked to bite down to ensure that your tooth-colored filling doesn’t interfere with your bite or cause any discomfort. Adjustments may be made if necessary.

Our team will provide you with aftercare instructions, which may include advice on avoiding certain foods, maintaining good oral hygiene, and what to do if you experience any discomfort or issues after the procedure.

Our team will assist you in scheduling a follow-up appointment so Dr. Eddleman can asses the new filling and ensure everything is functioning properly. Although complications are very rare, if you experience any swelling, pain or discomfort after your filling, please call our office at (318) 322-2013 and we can get you in to examine the filling.

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Comprehensive Dental Care You Can Trust

Your Smile, Our Passion

Our friendly, welcoming team at Eddleman Dental is proud to offer a near-zero wait time with high-quality results using our advanced technology. We  treat patients of all ages, and we love getting to know our patients and treat them like family.